The Holidays have always been a bittersweet time for me. Usually March-April is when my team and I are working on concepts for this timeframe. When the actual holidays role around I'm way over it.
On deeper note I've been a nomad for 30 years. Traveling the globe focused on my career. Don't get me wrong. I've been highly blessed. Worked at some incredible places. Met and collaborated with some incredible people.
Around this time of year is when I start working on my goals (New Years Resolution) for the upcoming year. I've kept this tradition for 20 years. I'll hide in my apartment. Phone on silent. No email. No TV. I will play records tho. This year its Harold Melvin and The Blue Notes. And instead of my apartment I'm in Maastricht, NL in a small cafe.
And I think about:
What worked.
What didn't.
Why didn't it work?
Improvements.
Evolution.
This year is slightly different. First I'd like to focus on Thanks/Gratitude:
My mom - Spending time together after a 30 year absence. It's been a long emotional road. A telenovela. Funny how time came make differences seem inconsequential. However the more time I spend with her the more I see similarities. Scary. We do turn into our parents as we age. There's no stopping it, may as well accept it.
My moms family (29 aunts and 19 uncles, the phrase "We don't die, we multiply" applies..and the number increases as I meet more... and more) - Reconnecting with folks I haven't seen since I was 12. I feel like Rip Van Winkle. Everyone is so old. My little cousins now have kids of their own. In some cases their kids have kids. Freaky. I find myself often asking "Wait, You HAD SEX!" Followed by "Ahhh I can't take it, too much! too much!... tell me more!". Just the other day this man came over and gave me a hug. Um ok. We're doing this now. Sure why not. "I haven't seen you since you were this high (I'm guess by the gesture maybe 4-5 years old), I'm always asking your mother about you" he says. To which I respond with the awkward smile (but in my head I'm thinking "who the hell is this"). When he says his name. Blank. Not a clue. Conversation continues. Mentions his wife's name. No idea who this man is... panic is starting to set in. Then he mentions his kids. Bingo! It all makes sense. This adventure has been full of surprises. I've got some super cool cousins tho. My new muses. Gianni Versace had Linda, Naomi, Christy and Helena. I've got Ingrid, Liz and my friend shay.
My dad - My hero. I won't tell him that tho. Cause he'll get all emotional and weird. The only person in NYC that I know of whom will give homeless people money, a cup of coffee and a sandwich. And will check in on them to make sure they're ok. Truly treats everyone equal and with respect. He volunteers at a church. Is a vegetarian (since the 70's). Cares about the environment (before it was cool). Plays multiple instruments. HIs hugs are the best...I feel safe. I compare it to a little kid hiding under the covers escaping from monsters. Yeah I'm a 40+ year old man who loves hugs from his dad. He's my rock. Always has my back. Sometimes a little too much (yes, there is such a thing).
Extended family. Miguel and Roel are people who love me unconditionally. They add light to my world. (hmmm they'll probably read this and say what the hell is he talking about).
My friend Shay - We will be the new version of the golden girls. Her passion inspires me. I find comfort in her honesty. She never sugar coats and is direct.
As for my goals for 2020. Work in progress. However my personal brand is grounded in: Authenticity. Compassion. Love. and Courage.
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